FELT, FEELINGS AND DREAMS – Review

November 15, 2012 By

Photo Courtesy of Andrea Odezynska

Princeton filmmaker Andrea Odezynska has completed a documentary that takes us into the lives of Kyrgyz women long after the collapse of the Soviet Union. FELT, FEELINGS AND DREAMSshows how they overcame poverty and made their villages more sustainable through the traditional craft of felting and rug making.

The 30 minute film documents how the women work as a team to process wool and create the artisan rugs known as shyrdaks. They share how their skills keep the culture thriving, and how it’ll affect their future.

Breathtaking mountain ranges are the backdrop of some of the reenactments of Kyrgyz folklore and fables, which are interwoven throughout the shyrdak footage. Additionally, the inclusion of proverbs, a bread making scene, and traditional music gives viewers a deeper look into the culture. This transforms this film into a piece you’d more likely see on the Discovery Channel versus a simpler YouTube clip you’d see on a travel blog.

FELT, FEELINGS AND DREAMS has been chosen to be shown at the Princeton Environmental Film Festival (PEFF) early 2013 at the Princeton Public Library. I recommend seeing this film, because it’s message is truly inspirational.

Odezynska has had other films played at The Hamptons Film Festival, Independent Spirit in Tel Aviv, Rotterdam, as well as other festivals. This will be her first time presenting at PEFF. Her previous films have been broadcasted on HBO, Showtime, and PBS Long Island. Andrea currently teaches film at The School of Visual Arts in New York.